Praggnanandhaa Dethrones Gukesh, Claims UzChess Cup Title and India's No. 1 Chess Ranking

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has etched his name in the annals of Indian chess, triumphing at the UzChess Cup Masters on Friday and officially becoming India's top-ranked player.

Praggnanandhaa celebrates his victory at the UzChess Cup.

The 19-year-old Grandmaster secured the championship with a masterful performance in the final round, defeating Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Abdusattorov while playing with the Black pieces. This victory not only clinched the title but also marked a historic moment for Indian chess.

As a result of this win, Praggnanandhaa's live rating soared to 2778.3, propelling him to a career-high World No. 4 ranking. This achievement solidifies his position among the world's elite chess players. He has surpassed D Gukesh in the live classical ratings.

2025 has been a year of remarkable progress for Praggnanandhaa. Earlier this year, he stunned the chess community by defeating reigning world champion Gukesh at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.

However, his recent triumph at the UzChess Cup is even more significant. Praggnanandhaa's victory confirms his status as the new leader of Indian chess.

This transition symbolizes a passing of the torch, as he surpasses his peers in a discipline where experience is highly valued.

Praggnanandhaa's ascent has been characterized by his maturity, profound understanding of the game, and unwavering composure under pressure. As India's top-ranked player and one of the youngest to reach the top 5 globally, he is not only upholding the legacy of Viswanathan Anand but also forging his own path.

Indian chess is entering a new era with Praggnanandhaa at the forefront.